SHARON, Pa.–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–Quaker Steak & Lube, America’s #1 motorsports-themed casual dining restaurant, is finding good things come in small packages. The fast-growing chain just launched its first, full-service “Mini-Lube” concept, featuring one bar, Motorabilia™ themed decor and signature menu items. The new franchised restaurant, located in Madison, Wis., opened with much success in late July.

“We have added six units in 2009 and are planning to open a total of ten units this year, representing a 33 percent growth in the number of full-service Lubes.”

The new Mini-Lube prototype was developed for use in markets that have existing Quaker Steak & Lube locations. Typical Quaker Steak & Lube restaurants are between 9,000 and 10,000 square feet and seat 400 to 425 guests. The Madison Mini-Lube is 5,500 square feet with 198 seats. It features a full bar and many of The Lube’s menu favorites.

According to John Longstreet, president and CEO, the new Mini-Lube offers franchisees several benefits. “The smaller unit provides franchisees with an opportunity to open restaurants at a lower cost and build market awareness, without impacting sales of existing restaurants,” he said. A second smaller Mini-Lube is scheduled to open in a Cleveland suburb late this year or early 2011.

The Madison Mini-Lube, which is located near the University of Wisconsin and the state capital, is owned and operated by a group lead by Scott Acker. It is his second Quaker Steak & Lube in Wisconsin.

The new Mini-Lube is true to Quaker Steak & Lube’s heritage, offering 22 signature chicken wing sauces and a wide variety of award winning food, including burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads, ribs and a kids menu. It also features The Lube’s unique décor. A Volkswagen Bug, decorated in University of Wisconsin colors, hangs upside down in the lobby. Guests also enjoy dining alongside a locally owned 1966 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia wrapped with 2,000 car cruise-in photos, a dune buggy, a race car designed, built and driven by UW, as well as, college sports, motorcycle, car and Capital Brewery memorabilia.

Jamie Cecil, director of franchise sales & development said the concept is expanding into new markets and is in the midst of a growth spurt. “We have added six units in 2009 and are planning to open a total of ten units this year, representing a 33 percent growth in the number of full-service Lubes.”

Voted Best Wings USA, Quaker Steak & Lube is a fun, family-oriented restaurant with a Motorabilia™ themed atmosphere. Founded in 1974, Quaker Steak & Lube features unique décor, including race cars, motorcycles, Corvettes and gas station memorabilia decorating the walls. The Lube, as fans call it, owns or franchises 39 locations in 12 states and Canada. Its history is rich with a cult following, crave-able food, high-octane events and a successful retail sauce business.